If you’re looking to spruce up your home with an outdoor addition, two options stand out in particular: a sunroom or a deck. The one you choose should fit your lifestyle, budget, and property. First, it’s important to understand their differences and to hire a trusted Boston contractor to handle the job.
Sunrooms: Indoor Living With Outdoor Views
Typically built as a home addition, a sunroom is an enclosed space featuring lots of windows and even glass walls and sliders. The result is a bright room with spacious seating and plenty of natural light. Sunrooms are typically insulated and used year-round.
Benefits of sunrooms:
- Natural light: Because sunrooms flood your home with sunlight, this experience can boost your mood while reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
- Year-round comfort: Four‑season sunrooms are climate controlled, acting as a natural extension of your home.
- Greater resale value: Because sunrooms are functional living spaces, they add more value to your property than seasonal outdoor structures. This may translate to a higher asking price.
Challenges of sunrooms:
- Higher upfront cost: The cost to build a sunroom is between $22,000 and $75,000 or more, especially for high-end insulated ones.
- Energy inefficiency potential: Without proper insulation, sunrooms can increase your energy bills as they may heat up in the summer and cool down in the winter.
- Permitting and construction complexity: Because sunrooms are permanent additions, they require permits and more extensive structural work.
Decks: Outdoor Living and Open-Air Simplicity
Decks are elevated, open platforms made from wood, composite, or other materials. They’re ideal for entertaining, relaxing, dining, grilling, or soaking up the sun, offering an affordable way to extend your living space outdoors.
Benefits of decks:
- Affordable upfront cost: Decks cost a lot less than sunrooms and can be built in stages. In general, the average cost to build a deck is $14,000but can range from $1500 to $23,000.
- Quick installation: Decks are easier builds, with less planning time and reduced labor costs.
- Ideal for outdoor gatherings: Use decks for warm-weather entertaining, barbecues, and open-air relaxation.
Deck Limitations
- Seasonal usability: Decks can typically only be fully enjoyed in mild weather, so in the cold winter climate of the Boston area, deck use is limited.
- Higher maintenance: Depending on the material you use, you’ll have to perform regular staining, sealing, or repairs to protect exposed surfaces.
- Lower ROI: Decks certainly add curb appeal, but don’t increase property value unless they are well-designed, well-maintained and made of a modern material.
Sunroom or Deck: What’s Right For You?
Here are some considerations to think about when choosing between a sunroom and a deck:
- Climate—A sunroom can be used year-round, while a deck is best suited to warmer seasons.
- Budget—While decks require less upfront investment; sunrooms yield higher functional value yet come at a higher price tag.
- Functionality and lifestyle—Sunrooms are perfect for reading in a cozy nook or watching television, while decks are best for those who like to frequently grill or get a tan in summer.
No matter which addition option you go with, you need a general contractor in Boston to achieve the perfect outdoor upgrade tailored to your lifestyle and your home’s architecture.
Contact AD Construction Today
We can help you go over the pros and cons of sunrooms vs. decks during your consultation. We welcome you to contact us today to schedule a free estimate.
